And Rakitic, still struggling to believe the events of the final moments, was reminded of another stunning sporting fightback of 2017 as the Patriots overturned a 28-3 deficit to beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in February.

"No, I cannot believe it," he told BT Sport. "It was really impossible. [Now] 15-20 minutes after the game, it is crazy and unbelievable.

"Thank you to the team, to the people around the club and the fans. It was a really special day and it is hard to say something.